Improving sleep apnea treatment with exercises and a mouth device

Efficacy of Oropharyngeal Exercises for Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Mandibular Advancement Device

Not applicable Interventional National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · NCT05717959

This study is testing whether doing throat exercises along with using a special mouth device can help adults with sleep apnea breathe better while they sleep.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cheng-Kung University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tainan)
Trial IDNCT05717959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the combined effectiveness of oropharyngeal exercises (OE) and a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in treating adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Participants will engage in a 12-week exercise program designed to enhance muscle strength and endurance in the throat area, while also using the MAD. The study aims to assess improvements in tongue function and the severity of OSA through polysomnography evaluations. By exploring this novel combination, the research seeks to provide insights into more effective treatment options for OSA patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old who are currently using a mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher, severe lung disease, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to significant improvements in the management of obstructive sleep apnea, enhancing patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of MAD and OE has not been previously investigated, similar approaches in treating OSA have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* OSA patients
* aged over 20 years old
* wearing a MAD

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index (BMI) ≧ 35
* Pregnancy
* Severe obstructive or restrictive lung disease
* Exercise with high-risk cardiovascular disease
* History of central or peripheral neurological disease resulting in an inability to perform exercise prescriptions
* Musculoskeletal or psychological disorders that prevent the performance of exercise prescriptions
* Chronic illnesses that are ongoing or not yet controlled

Where this trial is running

Tainan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obstructive Sleep Apnea of AdultObstructive Sleep ApneaMandibular advancement deviceoropharyngeal exercises
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.